Fiery Fahey blows past Shenkman into Schochet Cup semi-final
Lumley, Howell and Taylor-Matthews progress with ease
Robert Fahey has once again defined his age with a blistering performance against Robert Shenkman in the quarter finals of the Schochet Cup in Newport on Friday, reaching his third straight major semi final two and a half years into his retirement.
John Lumley started the first quarter-final well against Leon Smart, looking impervious as he quickly built a 5-0 lead. His shotmaking demonstrated why he has qualified to challenge the World Championship for the second time, barely looking under pressure and in complete control of his strokes. Smart switched strategies late in the set, giving in the floor game in favour of aiming at a series of targets, bringing him three late games but to no avail. The second set was one way traffic as well, with Smart serving slow railroads in an attempt to constrict Lumley’s flawless shotmaking. Smart would only register one further game in the match, coming at the start of the third set. The first seed Lumley marched on to the semi-finals without further trouble.
The strong performances of the top seeds continued with Ben Taylor-Matthews in his quarter-final match against Lewis Williams. Williams was not playing poorly at all, but had just encountered an opponent who was clinical in his shot execution. The world number four was hitting an excellent length throughout the match, pressing Williams hard into the corners. Williams found it difficult to convert points into games as Taylor-Matthews stormed onwards, reading the court exceptionally well on his way to a straight sets victory, dropping only two games in the process.
Robert Shenkman stepped on court against Rob Fahey, having never won a quarter final in a major event — first round Champions Trophy notwithstanding. However, in recent months Shenkman had started to register wins against top 8 players in minor tournaments and was looking to step up against a player who first won the event in 2001. Fahey did not give Shenkman an easy time, his tactical nous and ability to read the play proving more valuable than Shenkman’s workhorse effort to chase everything down. After an even start, Fahey quickly pushed through the back half of the set to take a 1-0 lead.
Shenkman had the early break in the second set, but this time he was determined not to let Fahey’s antics get the better of him. He was more willing to look for winners, striking the dedans on key points to build his advantage in the set. Once he was 4-2 up, Fahey’s hitting became half-hearted as he bided his time until the third set. As soon as the third set started, Fahey dialled up the power on his forces and the severity of his cut-volleys as he went on a rampage through the first four games of the set. Shenkman could barely hold on, as he was subjected to a half hour period of extreme quality. The only moment in the set that didn’t go Fahey’s way was when he missed a backhand in the corner to lay a short chase. In frustration, he picked a ball out of the ball tray and smacked it onto the tambour, with a confused Shenkman watching on as he made is way to the net to change ends. No warning followed, as he went on to blitz the remainder of the set.
Fahey could not hold the same intensity into the fourth set, but his knack of pulling off ridiculous shots still left Shenkman struggling for ideas. Fahey’s ability to strike winners from anywhere on the court meant Shenkman couldn’t figure out where to hit to. He was doing little wrong, but often found himself lunging deep into the forehand corner and spooning it high and deep for Fahey to punish again. Fahey qualified for his third semi-final of the year, firming his position in the 2025-26 World Race to be eligible for the 2027 World Championship Eliminators.
The last quarter-final saw unseeded Josh Dodgson challenge second seed Nick Howell, the former having defeated Steve Virgona in the first round. Despite the blue tape covering his right calf, Howell continued his top form in his strokeplay despite being more hesitant in his movement. That didn’t stop Dodgson from playing his shots, however, keeping in touch with Howell through the early stages of the match. The first set slowly ground to a stalemate as the seventh game took over 10 minutes to complete. A couple of grilles later and Howell finally had the first set. The second set was much easier for Howell, who was crusing with ease by the end. At the end of the set, Dodgson called time on the match, sending Howell to the semis without needing to play out the third set — a much welcomed relief given the brutal schedule.
Play continues on Saturday with the two semi finals, followed by the final on Sunday.
Match results:
11:00 AM: John Lumley (1) def Leon Smart (6) 6/3 6/0 6/1
1:00 PM: Lewis Williams (8) lost to Ben Taylor-Matthews (3) 1/6 1/6 0/6
3:00 PM: Robert Fahey (4) def Robert Shenkman (7) 6/2 2/6 6/0 6/2
5:00 PM: Josh Dodgson lost to Nick Howell (2) 2/6 0/6 ret
Upcoming matches (all times EDT):
3:00 PM: John Lumley (1) vs Ben Taylor-Matthews (3)
5:00 PM: Robert Fahey (4) vs Nick Howell (2)